Jets Release Center Nick Mangold, Their Longest-Tenured Player

Nick Mangold in 2013. He was released on Saturday by the Jets, who will save about $9.1 million against the salary cap this season.CreditRich Schultz/Associated Press

By The Associated Press

Feb. 25, 2017

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets on Saturday released Nick Mangold, the longest-tenured member of the team.

An 11-year pro and a leader in the locker room, Mangold, 33, has said he does not plan to retire. Mangold, a first-round draft pick by the Jets in 2006, is a two-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowl player. He posted a farewell message on Twitter.

Releasing Mangold saves New York about $9.1 million against the salary cap.

The team’s owner, Woody Johnson, lauded Mangold in a Twitter message as “a cornerstone of out team both on and off the field.”

“It has been a privilege to have known Nick these many years,” Johnson said, “and, for all of us, I say Nick will always be a Jet.”

Mangold missed eight games last season with an ankle injury, which he said made him want to play in 2017. In December, he told The Associated Press: “Shoot, I love football. I miss it dearly, so I’m planning on playing.”

The Jets have had only two regular starting centers since 1998: Kevin Mawae, who was a Hall of Fame finalist this year, and Mangold. This season’s likely replacement is Wesley Johnson, who is a restricted free agent.